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The five best jazz anthems of 2026, ranked by Far Out
The article argues that jazz is enjoying a renewed place in popular culture in 2026, blending with pop, grime and club music rather than remaining on the fringes. It presents a ranked selection of five tracks as examples of how contemporary musicians are connecting jazz’s history with new audiences.
The supplied article text describes Raye’s “I Hate the Way I Look Today”, which pairs swing influences with modern lyrics, and Ezra Collective’s “Only Love” with rapper Pa Salieu, combining jazz arrangements and West African-inspired grooves. It also discusses Knats’ album *A Great Day in Newcastle* and the track “Wor Jackie”, rooted in regional history and working-class life; the supplied text ends before the full ranking is shown.
In short
- Jazz is crossing into pop, grime and club culture in 2026.
- Raye and Ezra Collective are among the artists highlighted.
- Knats bring Geordie identity and history into their jazz.
Explained simply
Jazz is a broad musical tradition shaped by improvisation, rhythmic variety and influences from many communities. Musicians have long mixed it with other styles, and recent artists have brought jazz sounds into pop, rap and dance music.
The musicians mentioned here include singer Raye, London group Ezra Collective and rapper Pa Salieu, alongside Newcastle band Knats. Their music draws on different histories and places, including West African rhythms and working-class life in north-east England. These connections help explain why jazz can speak to new listeners as well as long-time fans.